Epidemics, Public Schools and Black Vulnerability

At the risk of sounding cliche' these are difficult times. During such trying times we appreciate reasonable, wise and action-oriented leadership on all levels. What we do not need or want during a life-threatening global health epidemic for example, is political rhetoric driven by propaganda rather than research and sound decision-making. Making matters worse for Black folk is the terrible vulnerability that comes with being a colonized people in the United States: the disparity of Black-owned competent independent and trustworthy institutions, scarcity of organized and independent funding, reliable and informed Black media outlets, and the ever-increasing plethora of conspiracy theories and misinformation. Consequently, we are in the dreadful position of depending on individuals and agencies we cannot trust, for our basic economic, medical and political survival.

This dependence reveals itself in the issue of health crisis and public schools. In light of Covid's mutation and resurgence across the country, some cities tweaked their public school policies based on said research. Some cities have closed schools or reintroduced remote learning. But New York City's Department of Education, which operates the largest public school system in the United States, stubbornly insists on keeping its schools open, taking its orders from new mayor Eric Adams. He is adamant that regardless of research and public concern, "NYC schools will remain open. " I find this position disturbing as a parent, middle school teacher, and community organizer. I am certain - based on the current data of Covid cases among NYC students and staff - that the Mayor's office and New Yorkers will come to seriously regret this stance. Pardon the pun, but this virus is immune to political rhetoric and image-crafting.

But there is an important takeaway here, brothers and sisters. This issue presents us with yet another opportunity to address and resolve important nation-building questions: How do we create sustainable ways to effectively feed, clothe, house, protect educate and heal ourselves? How do we accomplish this within the context of being colonized within a political/economic framework where we exercise little to no control? What framework or approach would give us the greatest ability to exercise such control over our lives? Or lastly, should we be satisfied with our current "arrangement?" Let us work to address and resolve our vulnerabilities instead of passively accepting and accommodating to them.

Agyei Tyehimba is an educator, author and community organizer based in Harlem, New York.